Overview

Our psychology degree offers excellence in research-led teaching and can lead to a wealth of career routes, from advising governments on policy to priming elite sports teams.

Why study BSc Psychology at Middlesex University?

We teach the essential theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of human behaviour, which forms the essential foundations for further training in a specialist field of psychology, or for entering a wide range of related careers. We offer both a broad and thorough grounding in key psychological disciplines from cognitive and social psychology to biological and developmental psychology.

Course highlights

Our psychology teaching and research facilities include specialist laboratories and counselling practice rooms

Our course is accredited by the British Psychological Society (BPS) giving students the 'Graduate Basis of Chartered Membership': an essential step for qualifying as a psychologist

Expert teaching staff who are leading researchers in health psychology, forensic psychology and qualitative research

Our academics are regularly and widely published - Professor Olga van den Akker, for example, is renowned for her research into psychology and human fertility

Department

What our students say

The course has been challenging and interesting. I will leave Middlesex with new experiences and knowledge about myself and what I'm capable of doing.

Evelina Saulyte, Psychology BSc student

Course content

What will you study on the BSc Psychology?

The course structure ensures that you develop essential skills in preparation for a wide range of careers, while also allowing for specialisation in a particular psychological discipline focused towards your professional interests.

In your first year you will receive a broad introduction to psychology. In your second year you go in-depth to study core subjects, including: biological, developmental, cognitive and social psychology; while also investigating individual differences, research methods and ethics.

In your third year you take study options of your choice at an advanced level while also undertaking an independent research project, supported by an academic. Options include Affective Neuroscience and Neuropsychology, Applied Social and Forensic Psychology, Business and Organisational Psychology, Counselling Theory and Practice, Educational Psychology and Lifespan Psychology.

What will you gain?

You will develop a wealth of transferable skills to support success in your chosen career path, or prepare you for postgraduate study. They include research and analytical skills, and a detailed understanding of human communication methods.

Modules

Year 1

Foundation Psychology (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module aims to introduce the five core areas of Psychology as set down by the BPS, Cognitive, Social, Biological Basis, Developmental and Individual Differences. In addition, you will also explore ideas concerned with definitions of Psychology and how Psychology developed as a separate discipline by considering its historical and philosophical beginnings and current issues.

Psychological Data Analysis (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module aims to introduce the statistical and qualitative analysis as they are employed in psychological research. You will gain experience in a range of analytic techniques and learn to use relevant software. You will also be required to engage in extensive hands-on computer use to develop skills in data collection, input and analysis, using SPSS.

Psychology Practice Context (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module explores the relevance and impact of psychology in context and practice. In the Autumn term, it aims to demonstrate both the historical roots of psychology and the interface between psychology and present day issues. In the Spring term, it aims to provide you with a detailed understanding of what you can do with a BPS accredited degree and to facilitate the development of career a plan.

Research Methods and Design in Psychology (30 credits) - Compulsory

The module aims to introduce the principles and practice of quantitative and qualitative psychological research. You will develop skills in searching literature and generating hypotheses with a sound rationale, understand the principles of sound research design and data collection, and be able to interpret findings and critically assess research output in psychology. You will also be provided with opportunities to develop skills in the dissemination of research results with the conventions, styles and critical approach of academic work.

Year 2

Biological Cognitive Psychology (30 credits) - Compulsory

This module aims to give you an overview of the biological bases of behaviour and the cognitive approach to psychology. After initial study of the anatomy physiology of the nervous system, attention is focused on aspects of behaviour that have a clear biological component. Through a series of practical laboratory sessions, you will investigate specific central and peripheral nervous system variables and their relation to behaviour. In the second half of the module, the nature of the cognitivist approach to psychology will be outlined and key theories relating to major cognitive faculties explored. Understanding of these is enhanced through a series of interactive seminars.

Developmental Psychology (30 credits) - Compulsory

The module aims to give an overview of the current research and core theoretical aspects of developmental psychology. In addition to the main topics, you will have opportunities to learn about extended topics of atypical developments, developments throughout the lifespan and applications to educational issues, as well as contemporary topics in applied developmental psychology. Understanding of these topics is enhanced through a series of interactive seminars.

Research Methods and Ethics in Psychology (30 credits) - Compulsory

The module enables you to understand and evaluate psychological research and to understand how research design relates to research questions. It will provide you with skills in a variety of statistical analyses and enable you to conduct ethical psychological research utilising quantitative and qualitative methods. It provides the foundation for interpretation and critical discussion of published psychological research.

This module aims to develop the depth and breadth of your understanding of theory and research in social psychology and personality psychology. In term 1, you are introduced to the social dimension of human psychology, through topic-focused lectures combined with small-group collaborative research projects. In term 2, you will cover mainstream concepts and theories of personality and the application of personality dispositional theory in assessment including employability. There will be a strong emphasis on critical consideration of the strengths and limitations of comparative models along with the conceptual links. The application of psychometrics and underlying principles of factor analysis will be explained in context and statistical analysis conducted by hand to facilitate understanding.

Year 3

Affective Science and Neuropsychology (30 credits) - Optional

This module offers advanced level study of topics in the psychology of emotion affective science and neuropsychology. The module is designed to measure a variety of learning outcomes and to facilitate your development of critical thinking, independent learning, and research planning.

Applied Social Psychology (30 credits) - Optional

The module aims to explore the application of psychology to social problems in the areas of crime, conflict and violence, considering individual, group and social factors. It considers how individuals and groups become involved in, and perpetuate, these problematic behaviours, and considers the consequences for victims, government and justice responses, and approaches to prevention. The module aims to extend your understanding of social psychology through its application to social problems facing modern societies, and to develop your aptitude for identifying pathways for social change through the understanding the psychological processes implicated in social problems.

Business Psychology (30 credits) - Optional

The aim of this module is to build upon the knowledge and skills gained from the successful completion of one or more core level two psychology modules to study advanced areas in psychology. Business psychology focuses upon the analytical and managerial skills required in human organisational behaviour whilst also providing the knowledge and insight into personnel psychology.

Coaching Positive Psychology (30 credits) - Optional

This module offers advanced level study of topics in coaching psychology and positive psychology. It offers a blend of academic study, practical knowledge, and personal development. The module is designed to measure a variety of learning outcomes and to facilitate your development of critical thinking, independent learning, reflective learning, listening and communication skills. It introduces basic skills of Coaching and Coaching Psychology. The module may encourage you to explore further training in Coaching and Coaching Psychology as part of your professional and career development.

Dissertation (30 credits) - Compulsory

You will pursue independent study with a designated supervisor on a topic not offered in-depth among the normal range of modules. You will be expected to carry out an original investigation using a recognised psychology or cognitive science research method, and produce a dissertation based on that research. The title and methodology of this dissertation must be agreed with the supervisor in advance. Undertaking this module will enable you to develop your methodological and statistical knowledge acquired through previous research methods training. It will develop your competence in the production of coherent written reports which are clearly presented and which have an analytic and critical orientation, and it will provide the opportunity for final year students to become competent and self-sufficient researchers.

Health, Exercise Sport Psychology (30 credits) - Optional

The module introduces the ways in which psychological theories and methods contribute to our understanding of physical health and illness, exercise, and sport performance. It will enable your understanding in the psychological, behavioural and social determinants of health and illness, exercise and sporting performance. Recent research, including both quantitative and qualitative research methods, will be examined and evaluated. The applications of health psychology to clinical practice and the applications of sport psychology to working with skilled performers will be illustrated.

Lifespan Development (30 credits) - Optional

The module aims to explore the psychology of lifespan development using theoretical and research orientated approaches. It considers how psychological knowledge of ways in which development over the lifespan can be investigated and observed using research undertaken from a variety of perspectives, as well as how it can be understood using models of cognitive, biological, socio-ecological, psychodynamic and developmental psychology. The module aims to develop your understanding of how theoretical, empirical and personal examples arising in the fields of academia, research and clinical practice contribute to understanding of each topic. You will be encouraged to think reflectively about the relevance of these topics to your own life, experience and learning.

Mental Health, Well Being and Consciousness (30 credits) - Optional

The module explores relationships between mind and body, conscious and unconscious mental life, the potential of psychology to help people to become more creative and fulfilled, and aims to develop your understanding of mental health issues and the clinical/therapeutic debates in this field.

Professional Practice (30 credits) - Optional

This module aims to encourage a deeper understanding of the relationship between theory and practice, whilst allowing you to develop, review, reflect on and improve employment skills within the context of your own discipline. It will also further develop independent learning and communication skills. Finally, the module aims to prepare you to apply for postgraduate study and/or graduate employment after graduation.

Psychoanalysis in Context (30 credits) - Optional

The aim of this module is to provide you with knowledge and understanding of the history of psychoanalysis and its status today, as well as an understanding of its application. You will learn about the history and development of psychoanalysis and the ways in which it has impacted on a range of disciplines and on contemporary society. The module will consider how the conceptual tools of psychoanalysis have been applied across the arts, feminism, postcolonial studies, psychology and critical theories. You will be invited to pursue your own interests, evaluating how psychoanalytic theory might inform and resolve theoretical impasses and those of everyday life. The module also introduces the major figures in the history of psychoanalysis, and its key theoretical and clinical concepts and an investigation into its contemporary applications by drawing on the expertise and research interests of members of the Centre for Psychoanalysis at Middlesex University. Finally, the module aims to inspire and challenge each student whilst promoting independent learning and critical thinking to conduct meaningful research. It will draw on theoretical, empirical and personal examples arising in the fields of academia, research and clinical practice to illustrate each topic.

Psychology in Education (30 credits) - Optional

This module is designed to give an advanced level of understanding in the way that psychological theories and research have influenced our understanding of child and adult learning and teaching in educational settings. You will develop an appreciation of traditional and contemporary research, knowledge and applications in the domain. Psychology in Education provides a rich learning opportunity for those wanting to study educational psychology at Masters level and for those planning a career in teaching.

This module will introduce key themes, theories, empirical studies, methods to understand processes underlying human communicative systems (particularly language), the acquisition of literacy, and aspects of musical communication. Further, the module will guide you towards the identification of key topics and a selected range of problems and questions related with the study of language and communication, and some of its applied implications. The module will also foster your ability to design study plans or research strategies, both individually and jointly with peers and tutors. You will also develop the ability to extend your studies of language and communication in academic or professional contexts.

The Self and Human Nature (30 credits) - Optional

The module aims to encourage you to examine Psychology’s core assumptions concerning human nature and one of the fundamental objects of psychological investigation, the Self. Key schools of thought such as materialism, empiricism, positivism and reductionist perspectives in general are critically assessed in the light of the critique from social constructionist approaches.

You can find more information about this course in the programme specification. Module and programme information is indicative and may be subject to change.

Teaching

How is the BSc Psychology taught?

You will attend lectures and practical classes, where you will explore ideas through class discussions, work on written assignments and give presentations. You will supplement all this with your own independent research. You will put together a portfolio, and work on a dissertation in your final year.

You can opt to extend the course by a year, and spend your third year doing a work placement, which we will help you to find. Alternatively, you can take up a part-time placement in your final year alongside your other modules.

We have extensive laboratory facilities, including computer labs, a psychophysiology lab, a social observation lab, a virtual reality lab, an auditory cognition lab and 12 testing cubicles.

Work placements

You will be encouraged to undertake an expenses-based work placement during your studies as a year long assignment between year two and three. Furthermore, depending on the organisation you are on placement with, you may be entitled to apply for a maintenance grant. The year-long placement exempts you from paying tuition fees for the full academic year; ensuring you gain the necessary practical skills to embark on your chosen career.

A wide range of influential and established organisations are involved with the placement course, for example Great Ormond Hospital School, St Georges Hospital, Priory Hospital, Institute of Psychiatry, Institute of Education, University College London, Holloway Prison, and the Metropolitan Police. Your involvement in such organisations includes engaging in everyday activities such as classroom education within the hospital school and running anger management courses for the prison inmates. Previous students have also been engaged in clinical and educational research in a wide range of areas such as eating disorders, obsessive compulsive disorders, autism and stuttering, and investigating the psychological factors in relation to male and female rape.

Work experience in the form of placements and internships greatly improve graduate employment prospects, and students who take part achieve excellent academic results through applying their learning in a professional setting.

Assessment

You will be assessed through exams and coursework, including your dissertation, your portfolio, essays and practical reports.

Teaching

You will be taught through a combination of Lectures, Seminars, laboratory practicals, workshops, and tutorials. Lectures allow you to gain and develop knowledge in specific subjects. You can discuss and develop your understanding of topics covered in lectures and practicals in smaller seminar groups usually made up of 25 students. In addition, you can arrange one to one sessions with your personal tutor or module leader. You will also have access to and use resources to support your learning including; specialist software and dedicated laboratories throughout your course.

During your first year (level 4), your weekly timetable will typically consist of:

7 hours of lectures,

1-2 hours of tutorials,

1-2 hours of seminars

3 hours of lab classes/workshops

Independent Learning

When not attending your teaching, sessions mentioned above, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, and preparing for assessments including coursework, presentations and examinations. Your independent learning is supported by the facilities available including the library and Study Hub, Laptop hire, and with online materials in MyUniHub (see student support section below).

Overall Workload

Your overall workload will include the activities listed above, and with each credit being completed equating to 10 hours of study time (You will complete 120 credits per level of study, which are broken down into modules of typically 30 credits). While your actual hours may depend on the optional module that you choose (if available), the following information will give you an indication of how much time is allocated to teaching and independent study on your course:

Level 4

34% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity:

Teaching, learning and assessment: 408 hours

Independent Learning: 792 hours

Level 5

36% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity:

Teaching, learning and assessment: 326 hours

Independent Learning: 574 hours

Level 6

32% of your time is spent in timetabled teaching and learning activity:

Teaching, learning and assessment: 379 hours

Independent Learning: 821 hours

Academic Support

You will have access to academic support services that you assist you in the following areas;

Employability, with workshops and tutorials on CV writing, interview and presentation skills.

Library Support, including sessions on finding, and choosing the right resources and software and tutorials on referencing and plagiarism.

Progression and Support Advisors to assist you with if you experience difficulties with your studies.

Well-being Services.

These services can be accessed through the UniHelp Desk in the Library building.

Assessment

The course will provide you with opportunities to test your knowledge and understanding informally through ‘formative’ assessment. This will be completed before your formal ‘summative’ assessment which will count towards your final marks. Each module normally contains at least one piece of formative assessment from which you will receive feedback from your tutor. Formative assessments are developmental and any grade you receive from formative assessment does not count towards your final marks.

There is formal ‘summative’ assessment as part of the module, usually towards the end of the module. Assessment methods could include written examinations, a range of coursework including essays, laboratory reports, portfolios, and your main final year project. The grades from the summative assessments count towards your module mark. Assessments are reviewed annually and may be updated based on student feedback, to suit content or based on feedback from an external examiner.

Percentage of course assessed by coursework

The balance of assessment will depend on the modules that you complete throughout your course. The approximate percentage of the course which is assessed by coursework is outlined below:

Level 4

74% coursework

26% practical exams

Level 5

50% coursework

50% written exams

Level 6

87% coursework

13% written exams

Feedback

You will receive feedback on the formative assessment, and written summative assessments. Feedback on examination performance can be requested from the module leader. Feedback is intended to help you learn and progress, and you are encouraged to review and discuss your feedback with your module or personal tutor.

We will aim to provide you with feedback within 15 working days of submission.

Details of progression and pass marks for assessment can be found in the university regulations.

Life at Middlesex

Entry requirements

Qualifications

Middlesex University has a flexible and personalised approach to admissions and we accept applications from students with a wide range of qualifications and a combination of qualifications.

Please check our general entry requirements page to see how these points can be achieved from our acceptable level 3 qualifications and the combinations which are welcomed by Middlesex University, including GCSE requirements

Applications from mature candidates without formal qualifications are welcomed, provided they can demonstrate appropriate levels of relevant ability and experience.

If you are unable to meet the entry requirements for this course you may still be eligible for our Foundation year course. This is an extra year of study to prepare you for the full degree. For more information see our Psychology foundation page.

Eligibility

UK/EU and international students are eligible to apply for this course.

Academic credit for previous study or experience

If you have achieved a qualification such as a foundation degree or HND, or have gained credit at another university, you may be able to enter a Middlesex University course in year two or three. For further information please visit our Transfer students page.

If you have relevant qualifications or work experience, academic credit may be awarded towards your Middlesex University programme of study. For further information please visit our Accreditation of Prior Learning page.

Interviews, entrance tests, portfolios and auditions

Entry onto this course does not require an interview, portfolio or audition.

Qualifications

120 UCAS points plus GCSE C English, Maths and Science

Middlesex University has a flexible and personalised approach to admissions and we accept applications from students with a wide range of qualifications and a combination of qualifications.

Please check our general entry requirements page to see how these points can be achieved from our acceptable level 3 qualifications and the combinations which are welcomed by Middlesex University, including GCSE requirements

Applications from mature candidates without formal qualifications are welcomed, provided they can demonstrate appropriate levels of relevant ability and experience.

If you are unable to meet the entry requirements for this course you may still be eligible for our Foundation year course. This is an extra year of study to prepare you for the full degree. For more information see our Psychology foundation page.

To find out more about the qualifications we accept from your country please visit the relevant support in your country page. If you are unsure about the suitability of your qualifications or would like help with your application, please contact your nearest regional office for support.

Visas and immigration

You will not need a visa to study in the UK if you are a citizen of the European Union, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland. If you are a national of any other country you may need a visa to study in the UK. Please see our visas and immigration page for further information.

English language requirements for international students

You must have competence in English language to study with us. The most commonly accepted evidence of English language ability is IELTS 6.5 (with minimum 6.0 in all components). Visit our English language requirements page for a full list of accepted tests and qualifications. If you don't meet our minimum English language requirements, we offer an intensive pre-sessional English course.

Interviews, entrance tests, portfolios and auditions

Entry onto this course does not require an interview, portfolio or audition.

Scholarships, fees and bursaries

Careers

How can the BSc Psychology support your career?

There are excellent employment prospects for Psychology graduates and salaries in this field are excellent. The range of professional skills that you will develop ensures that you are highly valued across the economy. You will have received the perfect academic grounding to progress into postgraduate study in areas such as educational, clinical, forensic, health and occupational psychology, or to become a charted psychologist. You could also progress into successful careers as counsellors, social workers, teachers and academics or pursue careers in areas such as law, business management or education.

You could be working in roles such as rehab associate, assistant psychologist, social therapist, support worker, learning support assistant, sports coach, and marketing assistant in organisations including:

North East London Health Trust

Homerton Hospital

Cygnet Healthcare

Homestart Primary School

Pro Star Academy

Caterlysts

Royal Free Hospital

What support is available?

Our Employability Service can help you to develop your employability skills and get some valuable work experience. We provide workshops, events and one to one support with job hunting, CVs, covering letters, interviews, networking. We also support you in securing part-time work, placements, internships, and volunteering opportunities, and offer an enterprise support service for those looking to start their own business.

Campus life

Staff profiles

Miranda is a well-respected researcher dealing with violence against women from a forensic psychological perspective. Two of her recent research projects, exploring sexualised language in lads' magazines and the effects of pornography on children, featured across the national media. Other professors are active researchers in health psychology and evolutionary psychology.

Student profiles

Evelina Saulyte

Psychology BSc student

The entire course has been challenging and very interesting. My lecturers were always engaged in what they were teaching and I had an opportunity to get knowledge in so many aspects of psychology. I will leave Middlesex with a huge amount of new experiences and knowledge about myself and what I am capable of doing.

I have already joined my partner as co-founder of our company Invoiceberry Limited, which is an online invoicing software facility for small businesses and freelancers. My research for my dissertation will help me in this venture as I now understand more about entrepreneurship and the psychology behind entrepreneurial behaviour.

Sally Bowness

Psychology BSc graduate

Sally now works as a creative director at Ratchet Digital

I ended up going into media and have enjoyed a long career in the industry. I always maintain that having a degree in psychology makes you a good manager and equips you to deal with the ups and downs of internal politics. My degree gave me a good grounding in how to deal with a variety of personality types and not be intimidated. A degree in psychology also helped me to better understand demographics and how my writing could connect with audiences.

Paulina Wójciak

Psychology BSc graduate

Paulina now works for Cisco Systems in the field of strategic sourcing of marketing intelligence.

When I started studying Psychology at Middlesex I finally started to enjoy my studies. I really liked the way the classes were organised as they were far more focused on knowledge exchange with other students and the practical application of what we being taught.

The course also made me realise that clinical psychology wasn't the only path open to me, and that psychology can be applicable to many different professional fields. It really opened avenues and improved my observational skills. It also gave me the confidence to think independently, express my opinions and engage in debate, which I think helped me get where I am today.